plate no. 9634

In the Suburbs of St. Petersburg

oilRomanticismlandscapelandscapefigureswaterboatdogtrees

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in a landscape. It also provides practice in using a limited palette to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: horizon line, figures, boat, ship, and trees.
step 02
Establish the basic values using a diluted wash of burnt umber, focusing on the sky, water, and land.
step 03
Add darker values to define the figures, boat, and ship, paying attention to their forms and proportions.
step 04
Use short, broken strokes to create texture on the land and reflections in the water.
step 05
Refine the details of the figures and the ship, adding subtle highlights and shadows.
step 06
Add the trees and other details with thin, delicate lines.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and contrast to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

secondary · titanium white

Mix burnt umber with white to create lighter tones for the sky and water. Use raw sienna to add warmth to the land and figures. Add a touch of black to darken shadows.

techniques